Out of the past 4/15/04

10 years ago: April 15, 1994

MILLER CITY, Ill. -- Len Small Levee near Miller City, which had failed during last year's record flood, gave way again Wednesday night to rising Mississippi River; by yesterday afternoon, 1,200-foot gash in southernmost part of levee had forced many area residents to flee their homes for higher ground.

Sales tax receipts for Cape Girardeau County continue to come in at double-digit pace with third of year's collections in; check for April was for $285,953, up 5.54 percent over April of 1993 and enough to keep year total in double figures.

25 years ago: April 15, 1979

ALTO PASS, Ill. -- The 43rd annual Easter sunrise service at Bald Knob is held at 5:20 a.m., with trumpet call to worship by Tracy Livesay of Anna; sermon is delivered by the Rev. Ivan L. Lirely of Mount Vernon.

Mississippi River continues its rise toward anticipated crest of 44.2 feet on Tuesday at Cape Girardeau; hundreds of city and county residents have been forced to seek temporary shelter as river waters invade their homes.

50 years ago: April 15, 1954

Talented young people from Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and Charleston have signed to audition for opportunity to appear with Horace Heidt, when he brings his show to Arena Building May 10 under sponsorship of 140th Infantry, Missouri National Guard; top two contestants will appear on stage with Heidt, with chance of going on to future success in entertainment world.

Rains are general over Southeast Missouri, adding to earlier moisture that has fallen in district; near Senath, small tornado strikes, but does only minor damage to farm buildings.

75 years ago: April 15, 1929

Mississippi River reached crest of its present flood crest at Cape Girardeau yesterday at 34.9 feet; by this morning, stage had receded one-tenth of a foot; stream Sunday had crossed Frisco Railroad tracks on Water Streets and on portions of street climbed to curb level on west side.

Thirteen passengers and driver had narrow escape from death early Sunday morning, when southbound Greyhound bus en route to Cape Girardeau plunged down 25-foot embankment near Millersville.

-- Sharon K. Sanders